Monday, February 22, 2010

"Bluegrass worthy of being blasted out of the windows of a Plymouth Barracuda with 451 Hemi engine. Metal and jazz like freakouts done acoustically...

Sadly, because their shows were so good, they never got the credit they deserved for their songwriting—time honored themes of bad cars, bad jobs, bad women, loss and longing, taken off the dusty shelves of the old-timey circuit and updated to make sense for those who don’t have shitty farming or mining jobs, but do have shitty jobs at Wal-Mart or Home Depot. They’ve got four part harmonies and wear their big hearts on their greasy sleeves."

Ben Sollee’sLearning to Bend was probably the most refreshing and breathtaking debut of 2008. And Daniel Martin Moore’sStray Age was one of the most stunning folk debuts of that year, as well. Now both artists have joined forces to record Dear Companion, thus becoming the follow-up album for both enigmatic artists.

This inspired collaboration has made, what must be, one of the most starkly gorgeous albums you’ll hear this year. The lavish harmonies and interplay between these two unique voices give this album its stylistic thumbprint. Moore’s delicately plucked guitar and breezy croon wraps around Sollee’s unconventional cello and soulful R&B voice, without wrinkle. The songs themselves are cohesive and sweet, but wouldn’t feel at all out of place on a solo effort from either artist. And as was the case on Bend, Sollee’s lyrics are often jarringly honest, like in Only a Song – an intense, brooding track that leaves you to believe Sollee is either painfully self-aware or horrifically cynical. And the sinister swell of the title-track is a reminder that while as romantic and sweet as much of this album may seem, something wicked this way comes.

Jim James, the mastermind behind My Morning Jacket, helms the production on Dear Companion like an old pro. James’ understated approach, leaving the music thin and haunting, allows the collective voice and lyrics of Sollee and Moore to be the focal point throughout. The brash simplicity of these arrangements drive home a deep sense of personal isolation that makes the album feel distant, cold, and familiar.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

MOKB is back with a double shot of goodness for you tonight! First, join us at The Vogue for Lucero's Memphis Music Review, presented by Pabst Blue Ribbon. We have $2.50 PBR's and $3.50 Jim Beam Red Stag fired up and ready. This is an early show with doors at 7PM. Lucero should be done around 11:30ish, which leaves you plenty of time to get to Blu to git down with The Hood Internet. BUY TICKETS ONLINE NOW FOR LUCERO AT THE VOGUE. Tickets are $16 at the door starting at 7 PM.

MOKB, Keepin' It Deep and Pabst Blue Ribbon are proud to welcome back our homies from Chicago, The Hood Internet. Their last show at Blu was a wall-to-wall dance party. You know if will be out of control this time as our good friend Slater Hogan (aka Kid Delicious) is turning 40. And we've got $2.00 PBR's and $6 Patron. Doors open at 9PM. Tickets are on sale now for $10 at Luna Music or online. What do you get for $10? A limited edition silkscreened 40oz bag from Mile44, complimentary PBR 40oz at the bar and admission to the show. These VIP packs (if there are any left) will be $15 at the door. Regular priced tickets are $10 (online or at the door). We strongly encourage you to get your tickets in advance for this show! BUY TICKETS NOW FOR HOOD INTERNET. Tickets are available at the door starting at 9 PM.

If you missed this show last time, you missed out on one of the hottest "get down with your bad self" parties of the year. This time it's Slater Hogans 40th B-Day and you know its going to get out of control. Yes, you heard right, we will be poppin some forties. Find out how to lock in your VIP ticket and get a custom silkscreened bag, Pabst Blue Ribbon 40oz and preferred access to the show.

General Admission tickets are $5 in advance / $10 at the doorVIP Tickets are $10 in advance / $15 at the door

***VIP Ticket includes: A limited edition silkscreened brown paper 40oz bab (from Mile 44), a complimentary Pabst Blue Ribbon 40oz at the bar, preferred access to the show (no waiting in line). There are only 100 of this VIP Ticket Packages available. We encourage you to purchased the VIP Ticket package at either Luna Music location. You can also purchase them online here.

In case there was ever any doubt, country music is always better when played by genuine Southerners. Lucero kicks up a back-roads dust cloud as the band rollicks through dark love and whiskey-soaked anthems. Singer Ben Nichols has a fatigued, frayed drawl that no amount of dialect coaching can replicate.
--- Rolling Stone

MOKB & Pabst Blue Ribbon Present:
Lucero's Memphis Music Review with special guests Glossary.
Thursday February 11th at The Vogue. Doors open at 7 pm.
This is a 21& up non-smoking show.